Breast-feeding mothers need support

Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta

A month after his first child was born, vocalist of boyband Jikustik and career night owl, Stefanus Pongki Tri Barata, decided to always be home by 8 p.m.

Pongki can still be found awake at night, but for a different purpose: changing his son's diapers or singing a lullaby while rocking the infant on his shoulder, and giving his wife, TV presenter Sophie Navita, more time to sleep.

Sophie said Pongki changed his habits after she spoke of the difficulties she had in breast-feeding Rangga, now nine months old. She also recalled she sometimes cried for no reason, and was upset about Pongki continuing to tour with his band and about him being surrounded by young women.

Doctors diagnosed Sophie with postpartum depression syndrome, which affects the flow of breast milk. In some extreme cases, a new mother may become suicidal.

Pediatrician and Indonesian Breast-feeding Center chairman Utami Roesli said women desperately needed physical and moral support from their husbands when breast-feeding, as "feeling relaxed and happy will help a woman produce a good flow of breast milk".

The center presented several awards last week in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week, which concluded on Aug. 7, and Pongki was among the recipients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breast-feeding for newborns -- that they receive only breast milk for the first six months.

WHO said breast milk protected babies from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections -- the two leading causes of infant death -- while stimulating their response to vaccinations.

"Breast-fed babies are 16 times less likely to be hospitalized later in life, 20 times less likely to suffer diarrhea, 17 times less likely to have pneumonia and four times less likely to have meningitis," said Utami.

A WHO study has also found that breast milk enhances brain and cognitive development. One study showed that the average IQ of children who were exclusively breast-fed was 14 points higher than those who consumed infant formulas.

Another new father, Paul, said his wife Susan became highly irritable in the few months following the birth of their first child, Jocelyn.

"When she was feeling blue, she became neglectful of Jocelyn's need for milk. She said she was tired," Paul said.

After consulting their pediatrician, Paul learned that Susan was suffering from postpartum depression.

"I know Susan spends time and energy on breast-feeding, particularly in the first six months after Jocelyn's birth. I don't mind doing the household chores, whatever other people might say," said Paul, who was waiting with Jocelyn for her appointment with the pediatrician.

He realized that Susan's exhaustion was contributing to Jocelyn's growing need for breast milk.

"It might be strange for some people to see me looking for diapers, baby food or feminine goods in a supermarket," he said.

Paul, who works at a foreign company, lauded his employer for encouraging him to support Susan. The company allows him to accompany his wife for routine check-ups with their pediatrician during working hours.

"It's a family-friendly company indeed," he said.

Utami said most women were concerned about exclusive breast- feeding, particularly in regards the accompanying change in their breasts and their husbands' reaction to it.

"The fear does not make sense, as pregnancy itself is the greatest cause of changes in breasts," she said, underlining that all physical changes after delivery were natural, that husbands had to accept them.

Paul was enthusiastic in his acceptance of changes in his wife's appearance.

"Breast-feeding gives my wife Pamela Anderson's boobs and Jennifer Lopez' hips. But I like (Susan's) even better," he laughed.

10 reasons for fathers to support breast-feeding:

1. Breast-fed children generally develop an IQ 14 points higher than children raised on infant formulas.

2. Nursing helps mothers lose weight after birth, as breast- feeding burns about 500 extra calories per day.

3. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition.

4. Breast-feeding decreases the risk of breast cancer in mothers.

5. Breast-feeding protects babies against diarrhea and respiratory infections.

6. Risk of obesity is lower in breast-fed babies.

7. Breast-feeding enhances vaccine effectiveness.

8. Breast milk is free.

9. Breast milk is easier to prepare than an infant formula -- no heating, no refrigerating, no mixing and no cleaning.

10. Breast milk is always ready (and comes in a nicer package).

Sources: Utami Roesli; ProMoM magazine